气
qì
The English phrase "qi" is translated into Chinese as 气 (qì).
气 refers to the vital life force or energy believed to flow through all living things in traditional Chinese culture. The term is used both in a literal sense to describe biological energy and in a metaphorical sense to describe a person's temperament or spirit.
How does it change in a sentence?
The character 气 can be part of the word 生气, which literally means 'to produce qi' but is used to mean 'to get angry'.
How do you pronounce it?
qì
When do people say it?
The concept of qi is foundational to many traditional Chinese practices, including Tai Chi, Qigong and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Did you know?
- In many Chinese dialects, the word 气 can also refer to 'gas' or 'air', meaning a single word can describe both a mystical life force and a common kitchen stove's gas supply.
- When someone says you are 'having qi' (有气), they might not be talking about your energy, but rather implying you are 'carrying a grudge' or 'holding a resentment'.
- While 'qi' is the pinyin romanization, the concept is known as 'ki' in Japanese and 'gi' in Korean. These different pronunciations all stem from the same original Chinese character.
Examples in context
- 我们需要呼吸新鲜的空气 (Wǒmen xūyào hūxī xīnxiān de kōngqì)We need to breathe fresh air.
- 我感到有一股积极的气息 (Wǒ gǎndào yǒu yīgǔ jījí de qìxī)I feel a positive vibe in the air.
- 练习瑜伽可以调理气。liàn xí yú jiā kě yǐ tiáo lǐ qì.Practicing yoga can regulate one's qi.
- 中医非常重视气的作用。zhōng yī fēi cháng zhòng shì qì de zuò yòng.Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the role of qi.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing traditional wellness methods in a park.
- 伟 Wei你觉得练气功有用吗？nǐ jué de liàn qì gōng yǒu yòng ma?Do you think practicing qi gong is useful?
- 雨婷 Yuting很有用，对身体很好。hěn yǒu yòng, duì shēn tǐ hěn hǎo.It is very useful and good for the body.
- 伟 Wei我也想试试看。wǒ yě xiǎng shì shì kàn.I want to try it too.
- 雨婷 Yuting伟，我们可以一起去。wěi, wǒ men kě yǐ yì qǐ qù.Wei, we can go together.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 气, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
